Another possible challenger to O'Sullivan, Alan Gaffney, is now in the running for the Brumbies coaching job following the sacking of Andy Friend. South Africa's World Cup-winning coach Jake White is in the mix but Gaffney is seen as the "dark horse" with the Brumbies seeking a return to attacking rugby which may not suit White's approach.

Australian Scrivener, who took on the role of Edinburgh head coach on a temporary basis after Rob Moffat's exit in January, has decided to return to his homeland at the end of the season for personal reasons, ending his two-year association with the club.

Laure Fisher is another possible for Edinburgh as his stint with Munster ends this season, while O'Sullivan is contracted to the US Eagles until after the World Cup in the autumn. Ireland backs coach Gaffney was head coach with Munster from 2002 to 2005.

Edinburgh endured a miserable Heineken Cup campaign, winning just one of their six pool outings, while they currently lie ninth in the Magners League. On Friday evening they face Connacht at the Sportsground, where they have won just once since 2006.

Meanwhile, the westerners will have to plan without centre Niva Ta'auso for the visit of the Scottish side after the Samoan's bad luck in Italy continued at the weekend.

The 30-year-old was knocked out just after the hour mark in the disappointing 25-13 loss to Aironi on Saturday and he ended up in an Italian hospital for the second time this season.